Topic: Opinions on SP BMC-6 / BMC-12 / CMC-4 mini mics

[skua]

I'm going to be recording mostly loud rock & metal in small to medium sized venues. Stealthiness is very important.  I'd like some feedback on these models which I currenlty consider affordable. Priced from about $99 to $169.  My recorder is a Archos Gmini 120.

I looked at the sets from Giant Squid... and listened to their samples. While they sound pretty good... they are a little thin and brittle sounding. I don't know if it's the mic or the bass-rolloff used on the battery box.

Regarding the battery box... is the bass-rolloff essential ?  A lot of the recodings I hear using this sound a bit anemic.  I wouldn't mind EQ'ing after a show... but once filtered out the bass can't be replaced.  Is the bass-rolloff feature more helpful in preventing distortion at high SPL's rather than preventing a bassy recording?

I look forward to your input.  If possible I'd like to keep the cost of the mics and the battery-box at $200 or under.  I realise this keeps me in the 'kiddie-pool' for now... but it's what my budget can currently tolerate! :-)

[Sean Gallemore]

I have no experience with their binaural mics.  I have used the CMC-2s with good results.  4s with a battery box will put you over $200.  I'd get the roll-off just in case, it's only $20 more and it might save your ass.

CMC-2 + SPSB-1 + roll-off = $200

[skua]

Looks like they are dropping some items from their site...  I no longer see their mini-battery box nor do I see the CMC-2 mics...

Hmmm... any input regarding the offerings from Giant Squid Audio Labs ?  The prices look pretty good.  How's the quality from the taper point of view.  I know I've emailed them with some questions and so far I've received prompt replies.

[Sean Gallemore]

sp-cmc-2

sp-spsb-1

[Sean Gallemore]

I think you'd be much happier with the SP mics over Giant Squid

[leegeddy]

i would recommend the CMC-4, which uses the AT853 cardioid caps.  you can use it for now with the BattBox w/roll off or the SP preamp they sell.  

later on, you may want to have the CMC-4 modded (by SP or yourself) to the phantom power supply.  this way, you could add a separate preamp like the UA-5, MP2, Beyerdynamics MV-100, etc.  you'll notice a large improvement over the battbox power.

for the size, the cost and the performace of the CMC-4's, they are great stealth mics.

marc

[skua]

d'oh!... sorry ... was looking under omni's ... my mistake. Thanks.    

[Sean Gallemore]

^^^
agreed. interchangable caps, can be modded to use with batt and phantom power.  If you can swing a bit more money I'd recommend going this route

[leegeddy]

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/mkim/MP3/primus2004-03-10-sample.mp3

this is a sample of Primus 10Mar'04 Asheville, NC show.

source: at853hyper > at8533 > beyerdynamics mv-100 > d100 approx. 75' from stage, at the sbd.  mics were about 11' up.

sounds pretty good to my ears.

marc

[Sean Gallemore]

that show gonna be posted, marc?

[leegeddy]

that show gonna be posted, marc?

with me crazy schedule? probably not. i'll do a b/p for ya if you want a clone.

pm me,
marc

[skua]

mmmm .... sounds nice. Thanks for that sample.  If I can swing the CMC-4's which capsules would you recommend to start with? Cardioid, Sub-Cardioid or Omnidirectional.  I like the fact that the Cards will reject some of the surrounding crowd and reflected noise... so I'm guessing the standard Cardioids might be the best to start off with?

[leegeddy]

mmmm .... sounds nice. Thanks for that sample.  If I can swing the CMC-4's which capsules would you recommend to start with? Cardioid, Sub-Cardioid or Omnidirectional.  I like the fact that the Cards will reject some of the surrounding crowd and reflected noise... so I'm guessing the standard Cardioids might be the best to start off with?

i'd go with the cardioid capsules. if you like the mics, i would pick up the hypers down the road.  i see no reason for using omnis for stealthing.

marc

[Sean Gallemore]

mmmm .... sounds nice. Thanks for that sample.  If I can swing the CMC-4's which capsules would you recommend to start with? Cardioid, Sub-Cardioid or Omnidirectional.  I like the fact that the Cards will reject some of the surrounding crowd and reflected noise... so I'm guessing the standard Cardioids might be the best to start off with?

i'd go with the cardioid capsules. if you like the mics, i would pick up the hypers down the road.  i see no reason for using omnis for stealthing.

marc

 

[skua]

Well... for $238 + S&H I can get the SP-CMC-4's with cardioid caps along with the mini SP-SPSB-6 with bass-rolloff.  I can control recording volume on the recorder.  Seems like it's a decent deal to me.

Thank you, gentlemen, for your time, patience and opinions.  As usual you've been very helpful to this newbie.  I hope to have my rig completed and my technique practiced enough to tape a bunch of concerts in April.  

Cheers!